Newark denied share by last-ditch try as spills and thrills take place in a seven-try contest against Moseley Oak in the Regional Two North Midlands fixture

Newark lost out in a Kelham Road clash that brought seven tries. The final one saw Moseley Oak cross over for the win in the last minute.

The visitors ran out 29-22 winners in a frustrating contest for the Newark team who are eager to continue their attacking form, which had brought three wins and a draw since mid-October.

However, the visitors were always dangerous and overturned a second-half deficit of 15-7 to grab victory in the dying stages.

Newark led 8-7 at half-time through an opening try from wing Scott Edmed and a penalty by Alex Scott.

A low-key affair got better after the interval when Newark looked to have taken hold of the encounter by putting a good period of phase play together achieving a try and a conversion before Moseley Oak managed to grab a try back.

That left Newark hanging onto a one-point lead which lasted only a few minutes before Moseley Oak returned to grab a third try and then a penalty.

A penalty five minutes from time increased the visiting margin to set up an exciting finale.

Newark celebrated loudly when a smart attack down the right side gave Josh Ashe the chance to dash over for a try by the posts.

Newark converted and thought they had at least grabbed a draw at 22-22, but, like several times in the contest, the home team conceded possession too easily and allowed Moseley Oak grabbed a winning try and converted by the posts.

It was a disappointing end for the home contingent made worse by a red-card exit for flanker Sean Denning.

The match marks the halfway stage and Newark’s good form since October has earned a satisfactory eighth place, seven points clear of bottom-placed Old Silhillians in a competitive league.

The Newark seconds played a friendly at Kesteven and won 35-5.

Newark are away on Saturday against Nuneaton Old Edwardians (kick-off 2pm).